Super Bowl 2020: Why does the NFL use Roman numerals for naming?


Football has evolved over the years, but one thing has endured: Roman numerals at the Super Bowl. Whether you think it’s antiquated, classy or a little too extra, Roman numerals have become synonymous with the game, and Super Bowl LIV (aka Super Bowl 54) is no exception.


But why roman numerals? AFL and Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt proposed using Roman numerals for each Super Bowl to add pomp and gravitas to the game. Roman numerals were, unsurprisingly, used in ancient Rome as a number system. I stands for 1, V for 5, X for 10, L for 50 and C for 100. That’s right: In 2066, get ready for Super Bowl C.

Super Bowl V was the first to use Roman numerals. They were retroactively added to the Super Bowl II to IV logos and have been used each year since⁠ until 2016. For Super Bowl L, or 50, the NFL tried out 73 different logos before breaking down and using a plain old “50.”

The Roman numerals for Super Bowl 54 are LIV since L is the Roman numeral for 50 and IV is 4. Next year for Super Bowl 55 in 2021, the Roman numerals will be LV.

Why is the Super Bowl called the Super Bowl? While negotiating the new championship game, Hunt began referring to it as “The Super Bowl.” Hunt said the name was inspired by a toy called the Super Ball that his kids had been playing with.

When is the Super Bowl and how can I watch it?


More on Super Bowl LIV